Social media helps nail alleged Lowell thief

LOWELL -- Social media photos helped police arrest a 22-year-old man, who allegedly stole $350 from the Heritage Farm Ice Cream cash register during the 4th of July weekend celebration, according to police.

Nuno Nogueira, of Lowell, has been charged with breaking into a depository (safe) and larceny over $250, according to Lowell Police Cpt. Kelly Richardson.

The surveillance photos that Heritage Farm placed on its Facebook page of the alleged suspect led to numerous tips for police, Richardson said.

"Once police received tips and built a photo array of similar people, they were able to positively identify him as a suspect," he said. "Police had his home address and sure enough he was there and arrested."

The theft allegedly took place during the 4th of July festivities at Heritage on Saturday, postponed a day because of rain. The Tony O Band performed a free concert before the city's fireworks display.

"Thanks to all the shares and the many many tips the Lowell Police received, an arrest has been made," according to Heritage Farm's Facebook page on Wednesday. "We got over 24,000 views on this story and we are very grateful to the Facebook friends we have that made it possible.

"Without your help it would have been impossible to identify this suspect. Please share this to let everyone know the positive outcome to this story. So many of you had such kind and supportive words for us and it's heartwarming to know how many people actually care.